Moises Caicedo agent explains decision to pick Chelsea over Liverpool (1 Viewer)

Manuel Sierra, the agent representing Moises Caicedo, has shed light on why the player chose to join Chelsea over Liverpool during the summer transfer window. At that time, Brighton & Hove Albion were seemingly unwavering in their demand for a £100 million transfer fee for one of their key players.

However, Chelsea took a different approach by attempting to negotiate a lower fee. This decision prolonged the transfer saga, which initially began in January when both Chelsea and Arsenal expressed interest in Caicedo. Liverpool then surprised everyone by offering a sum above Brighton's reported asking price, which was accepted, allowing Caicedo to enter into talks and undergo a medical examination.

Nevertheless, Chelsea swiftly responded to Liverpool's bid by presenting an improved offer to Brighton and quickly reaching an agreement with the Seagulls. In an interview with Ecuadorian channel Football sin Cassette, Sierra has now clarified how Caicedo arrived at the decision to move to Stamford Bridge instead of Anfield. Sierra acknowledged that Chelsea's persistent interest and long-term pursuit played a decisive role in Caicedo's choice.

Sierra explained, "The situation in January was such that Chelsea couldn't make the move. They had to make a decision between the two players, as they couldn't sign both Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo. Additionally, there was uncertainty about Brighton's asking price. It seemed that Brighton was unwilling to part with him, even for a staggering sum like £1 billion."

"The issue of not going to Liverpool instead of Chelsea was also questioned a lot. The offers were similar in every way, the issue was a question of values, principles and of giving the floor to someone.

"When Liverpool's offer arrived, Brighton were asked for time so that Chelsea could match it, they did, they surpassed it and he ended up at Chelsea because he had given his word to Chelsea for quite some time.

"Liverpool were always interested. We had meetings between January and May but since May we didn't hear from them. Of course we were surprised that suddenly they appeared with [an offer] that they had said they couldn't do.

"The first thing we were told was, 'Tomorrow you have to go to Liverpool to have a medical'. Of course, what is our reaction going to be if we have not negotiated, we have not spoken, we have not seen anything since May? Our phone conversations were clear at all times, we were clear, as long as Chelsea offered the same conditions that Liverpool could. As I say they surpassed it, so there was no complaint.

"It is very complicated, imagine that Jurgen Klopp is writing to you, that Liverpool are calling you, we are talking about something very big, one of the best teams in the world just like Chelsea - and with a more established and more stabilised project than what Chelsea have today.

"When Liverpool came and approached in that way, obviously Moises got dizzy, I got dizzy myself, but Chelsea were by our side at all times asking us to go, they wanted an hour to tell Brighton that they could match the offer. They gave them an hour and it ended after two days of negotiation."